As for plugged sound on acoustic-electric IMHO it would be Takamine all the way! I have listened to a lot of different brands being played on stage and for my ears the sound of an Takamine just has a great tone . As for other choices in the plugged department Epi or Gibson has about the same I have heard from the high dollar Martin. Now when you just get down to an acoustic you open up a whole can of brands depending on the tone you like. :